Climate change is one of the most urgent topics to focus on. The problem is twofold: periods of either flood risk or extreme drought. Both result in loss of natural and ecological values and in the longer term in loss of income sources. Thus, both compel to find innovative approaches to water management, in combination with new business concepts and earning models. 

There are two approaches to tackle climate change: mitigation and adaptation Better Wetter is about adaption. It will find and valorise new approaches to land and water use, balancing both ecology and economy. Main question to be answered: how to match water retention and economic development? 

The output is twofold:

[1] Pilot projects carried out in wetland areas for testing of

• new water crops
• bio-based products and production approaches
• other products and services in wetland agriculture, tourism or other industries

[2] Sustainable business models developed whilst developing a sustainable and climate proof landscape. Most relevant keyword here is economy in the sustainable landscape. All solutions are expected to contribute to sustainable regional development, taking into account climate adaptation, ecology and biodiversity. 

Netherlands, Germany and Sweden

UK, Denmark, Belgium